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Storyline

Dolly Payne is adored by two leaders of the fledgling American government, James Madison and Aaron Burr. She plays each against the other, not only for romantic reasons, but also to influence the shaping of the young country. By manipulating Burr's affections, she helps Thomas Jefferson win the presidency, and eventually she becomes First Lady of the land herself.Written by
Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The night before shooting was to start, a game of hide-and-seek was held during a party. Primula Niven (wife of David Niven) opened a door she thought led to a closet and fell down a set of stairs to her death. See more »

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User Reviews

Recently I moved and as I was doing so, I threw some films into a few boxes I wanted to watch but never got around to watching for one reason or another. A few days ago, while unpacking some items, I found one of the boxes-- a treasure trove is more accurate-- and inside was a copy of MAGNIFICENT DOLL.

I have had a copy of this film for several years and I was saving it-- who knows why. And what a treat to save. I love this film and only wish I had seen it ages ago. Just look at the cast of this historical drama.

David Niven and Ginger Rogers are top-billed. And altogether, they appeared in three films-- MAGNIFICENT DOLL was the second pairing for them. Their other efforts were BACHELOR MOTHER (for RKO) and OH MEN! OH WOMEN! (for Fox).

One of the things I love about this film is that it's the second time Burgess Meredith gets the girl in a Ginger Rogers movie. Previously, he was the lucky guy in TOM, DICK AND HARRY. So though Niven is higher billed, he is essentially playing a supporting role, because Meredith is the one holding Rogers in his arms as the final fade-out occurs.

MAGNIFICENT DOLL was a flop, probably because Universal didn't know how to market it and audiences were not ready to see Ginger do anything but musical comedy or tearjerkers. But watching this film convinces me that she was at her best when she was working in other genres, pushing herself as an actress. The set decoration is top-notch in this film; and Ginger gets to wear gowns by Vera West and hats by Lilly Dache.

The always exceptional Frank Borzage is the director and rabbi turned Hollywood executive Jack Skirball is the producer.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful.
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